The Christian Parent's Field Guide // M-Note 5.9.2026

When we started The Gathering 20 years ago, I knew that I wanted to be part of a community that not only helped me to grow spiritually, but that also shaped faith in new generations of people. Any of us that are parents know that it is hard raising kids and guiding them towards a meaningful and healthy relationship with God. Weekly, parents of young or adult children alike come to me seeking wisdom for shaping faith in their kids. If you have ever wrestled with this, then this weekend we are beginning a series for you.
 
Sunday, I will start a new series called The Christian Parent’s Field Guide. Mother’s Day is a fitting day to begin a series on parenting! But, this isn’t a typical parenting series. Instead, I will talk specifically about how we shape faith in our children, whether they are little, teenagers, or adults. I know some of you are immediately wondering, “What about me? I don’t have kids!”. Don’t check out because this series is important for you as well. Why?
 
First, many of you are aunts, uncles, godparents, or close friends to those with kids. Some of you work in our kid’s ministry or serve throughout student ministry. All of us are in a position to impact the faith of others. Every time we baptize someone into the church, we all collectively take responsibility for helping to shape faith in other people. Secondly, all of us are kids of one age or another! As we talk about shaping faith in younger generations, we will learn more about how we grow closer to Jesus in each stage of life.  
 
All of us know parents that want to help their kids grow in faith (whether they are little or grown up). This is the perfect series to invite them to. Plus, I am going to end the sermon with something I have never done before - an interview with my mom! It is going to be a fun weekend so I hope to see you Sunday!
 
Peace,
 
Matt
 
P.S. Last week, I announced some important staff transitions. Pastor Adam Baker is preparing to move to New Zealand where he will begin serving a Methodist church in that country. Also, Ryan Hebel has accepted an appointment from the Bishop to serve as the new senior pastor of Cornerstone UMC in O’Fallon, MO. This was unexpected but an incredible opportunity for Ryan to lead a congregation. Ryan has served our church for over 14 years and impacted our ministry in countless ways. He will continue to lead the West County launch team through the end of June, and there will be a time at McCausland in June to celebrate Ryan’s ministry. Our West Country Site is continuing to meet, and we are working to launch weekly worship at the end of the summer. We will be announcing new pastors for both our Webster and West County sites next week and welcome those new pastors this July. It is a time of transition but also a time of excitement and growth as we send pastors out to bless other churches and welcome new ones in to The Gathering.